and I quote

back again

2011-02-05T07:48:00.004-06:00

Not long ago I realized that my work is actually an obstacle to my writing. You see, I work in the electronics industry, and my job involves the design of computers. Not desktop computers, laptops, or netbooks, such as what you might be using to read this, but specialty systems, such as retail kiosks, price checkers, and so on. However, the development work I do is hosted on the same type of computer I use to write this blog, and I realized that after spending all day every day "on the computer," I often don't want to do computer stuff in my off time. That, I have realized, is why I have gone "missing" from writing several times.

Life is full of obstacles. Some are real, some imagined. But whether actual or rationalized, the effect is the same. Last year, I wrote a post about church attendance and membership which was prompted by people leaving and/or switching churches. There are real reasons to switch churches, but there are many more selfish, imagined "reasons" to do so. I don't like the preacher, someone hurt my feelings, I'm not appreciated. At least at their beginning, an honest, human emotion can be found in each of these, but acting on the emotion rather than God-grown character is an error. I've seen some who left for wrong reasons come back, once they realize they miss their [church] family or that what they sought doesn't exist.

God-grown character. It's all a matter of maturity that only God can accomplish in us, if we let Him. This is the reason for this rant: I was reading Oswald Chambers' My Utmost for His Highest this morning and saw in today's session the following question:

Are you willing to spend and be spent; not seeking to be ministered unto, but to minister?

Is my focus to minister? Or is my priority to seek to be ministered to? For myself I'll just say that I regularly must acknowledge that God isn't finished with me yet.

quotpourri

2010-09-21T11:03:00.003-05:00

When our lives are focused on God, awe and wonder lead us to worship God, filling our inner being with a fullness we would never have thought possible. Awe prepares the way in us for the power of God to transform us and this transformation of our inner attitudes can only take place when awe leads us in turn to wonder, admiration, reverence, surrender, and obedience toward God.

James Houston

what's on the inside

2010-08-15T15:16:00.011-05:00

You may or may not have picked up on the fact that, about once a month, I post a quote that has interested me, yet without comment. The rest of the time, I attempt to share some of the thoughts that come to mind as I read or remember a certain quote or quotes. This, taken together with the occasional unrelated mental upheaval, is after all the nature of my blog.

It has been two weeks since my last post, which is a little less often than I try to write. This longer-than-normal gap came about due to some increased personal "busy-ness" in my life. This morning I awoke thinking about the fact that when one has more things [than normal] to do in a given time, priorities are explicitly or implicitly assigned so that the most important and/or favorite things get accomplished in the available time. Items of lesser importance might be put off or canceled or not even thought of to begin with.

Now, I'm not making a commentary about the importance of my blog (or it's readers, if there are any) to me. I did wake up thinking something like, "Gee, it's been a while since I wrote anything." Right on the heels of that thought, it occurred to me that life's pressures can be very revealing as what we consider to be important becomes more and more apparent. If my Christian life is something that I do rather than who I am, does it not follow that it might be subject to priority too? To a watching world, it might then appear that, when I'm under pressure, my mask slips, i.e I forget to act like a Christian.

Praise be to the Lord, that Christianity is Christ, and even when life hands to me more plates than I can balance, the character traits that typify a genuine Christian life (such as patience, gentleness, and self-control) will still be present if I am letting Jesus live his life in me, because Jesus is the Christian life. That is why in the Bible, those traits are called the fruit of the Spirit.

I used to know a man who said, "Trouble doesn't build character, it reveals it." Even if there is no trouble or pressure ("Life's good!"), our life should be that of Christ in us, rather than our highest-priority effort to "be Christian."

The Christian life isn't difficult--it is impossible. If we don't know that, we will try to do things ourselves. Faith is not necessary when we think we can do it ourselves. Faith comes along when we realize that we cannot do it on our own.

Joseph Garlingen

One might well say, "What's the difference in a believer and a non-believer doing the same things? What makes the believer's life 'Christ living in him'?" Faith in God's Word--Jesus, the trusting of one's life to Him, makes the difference. So, with these thoughts in mind, may I repeat my quote of two weeks ago, from Douglas Rhymes, who said,

If our faith is not relevant to our daily life in the world and in the parish, then it is no use; and if we cannot be Christians in our work, in the neighborhood, in our political decisions, then we had better stop being Christians. A piety reserved for Sundays is no message for this age.

As in all ages, Christ in you is the message the world needs.

quotpourri

2010-08-02T08:39:00.001-05:00

If our faith is not relevant to our daily life in the world and in the parish, then it is no use; and if we cannot be Christians in our work, in the neighborhood, in our political decisions, then we had better stop being Christians. A piety reserved for Sundays is no message for this age.

Douglas Rhymes

needs

2010-07-27T21:01:00.007-05:00

There is only one relationship that matters, and that is your personal relationship to a personal Redeemer and Lord. Let everything else go, but maintain that at all cost, and God will fulfill His purpose through your life. (This includes meeting the needs of your heart.) One individual life may be of priceless value to God's purposes, and yours may be that life.

Oswald Chambers

This includes meeting the needs of your heart is the phrase that caught my attention because of the way that God did that for me today. Blessings come in all shapes and sizes, but one of the most common things about them is that they rarely, if ever, are what we expect.

This afternoon, I was at work and my cell phone rang. Pulling it from my pocket, I glanced at the display and saw to my surprise and delight that it was my son calling. Now, those of you that know me know that he has been in the Middle East on his second deployment with the U. S. Army; that he was calling me from his cell phone could only mean that he was back in this country! What a rich blessing indeed! We knew that he was due back sometime soon, but we didn't know exactly when.

The endless stream of love and care that God pours out on me, indeed all of His children, is certainly reason enough to take the whole of Chambers' comment to heart. The wonderful thing is, I need not set out to do anything to overtly bless anyone; that will be the natural outcome of living dependently on Jesus Christ, as such a life is always useful in His hands. And that is the greatest blessing of all.

back

2010-07-20T13:51:00.002-05:00

Three week ago, I was tremendously excited because of our impending departure for summer vacation: "Only two days until we leave!" And it was a fabulous vacation during which we thoroughly enjoyed a portion of God's creation. Rivers--we canoed on the Snake and North Platte rivers; mountains--my daughter and two friends climbed Mt. Elbert, the tallest peak in Colorado! It was wonderfully cool everywhere we were, and the blessings and refreshment were awesome.

Today, as I write this, I've been back from vacation for two days, and it has reminded me how fleeting the temporal is. However, that brings into sharp focus the superiority of God's way. When one's life is centered on loving God and people, the passage of time nears irrelevance. As Henry van Dyke said,

Time is too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love -- time is eternity.

july fourth quotpourri

2010-07-04T23:34:00.002-05:00

I have lived, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth -- that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?

Benjamin Franklin

I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just.

Thomas Jefferson

balanced diet

2010-06-29T15:29:00.007-05:00

Several times recently I have heard the comment, usually made to justify changing churches, "I just wasn't being fed." Considering the fact that I have said this in the past myself, my reaction to hearing it lately is interesting to me.

"I just wasn't being fed." By that do you mean that there was no [spiritual] food made available? Or was the portion set before you too meager to satisfy? Was it there, and you merely did not "eat?"

When I was an infant, I of course depended on my mother to feed me. As I grew, increasingly I fed myself but my mother still specified and provided the food that I ate. As time went on, I could choose more and more what I ate, but largely it was still provided by someone else. Finally, in maturity, I'm largely responsible for feeding myself, even though there is almost always someone else involved in the provision of food.

One might initially be drawn to a local church because of a hunger to know the Lord; by feeding on the Word, one can learn who God is, who man really is, what God has accomplished to reconcile man to Himself, etc. As a [spiritual] infant, a person does not know what or how to eat, and the church, through the preached word, Bible classes, etc. can feed such a person until that person begins to learn to feed directly on the Word. From passages of Scripture such as Hebrews 5:12-14, we see that there is an expectation for the Christian to grow to maturity, but not every one does, and as Theodore Epp said,

It is a shame for a person to have been a Christian for years but not to have advanced beyond the knowledge of his salvation.

That aside, is occupying a seat and listening to sermons the reason ultimately for church attendance? The passage in Hebrews, as well as many others, points at our maturing to love one another as Christ commanded and to serve one another as Christ demonstrated. This is not at all to diminish the value or importance of the preached word, but the church is a family where we each have a responsibility to one another, and "eating" once a week will obviously not sustain us in our love and service to each other, much less to a needy world. We must daily see to our spiritual sustenance by making our mind available to God's Word. Viewed in this way, "I just wasn't being fed" seems a pretty selfish cop-out.

Last weekend, my wife and I were visiting the town where I grew up. As we drove by the church where I went as a child, we noticed the sign out front which carried this stinging rebuke:

Christians often expect the world to respect the book which they neglect.

and I gloat

2010-06-20T00:17:00.002-05:00

You may think that I am about to brag on my kids since today is Father's Day and I've chosen a title for this post like "and I gloat." As their earthly father, I am very proud of them because they have grown into such fine people. The glory for that is properly reserved for their (and my) heavenly Father, who is the only character builder there is. What better Father's Day gift could there be than praising God and offering thanks for His accomplishments!

However, I have even more thanks to offer to the Lord today because today is not just Father's Day. It is an even more special day, the memory of which is brought about by two quotes:

I do.
--me

And,

I do.
--her

Thirty years ago today, my wife and I were married. I have no words to express how grateful I am that God put us together nor how much at this point I cherish the life we've had so far. She is my best friend, confidant, playmate, truly the greatest part of me. To say 'Thank you, Lord' seems so inadequate, as does 'I love you, dear.' Nevertheless, those heart-felt words are the best I have. Lord willing, I'll say them again in another thirty years (and every day until then!)

things

2010-06-18T12:54:00.004-05:00

You know, at this point in my life, I don't want quite as many things as I once did, but there is still much that I do want. Not all of the things that we want are "stuff"--we want good health, the best for our kids, maybe to live in a certain place. Those who know me well know that my wife and I love to travel, and I certainly want to travel more and more. There are still things that as a child of God I don't want to want, but God is working on that. For the most part, things I want are fairly harmless, but I can get preoccupied with them. When preoccupation becomes obsession, neither the thing nor the want of it is harmless anymore.

With some amusement, some time ago I realized that there are many things that I want that, were I handed the cash and told, "go buy that," I wouldn't! Certainly I now think differently about spending money that I earn (better, that God provides;) the Bible calls that stewardship. And that's the point: As I've grown, as God has grown me, I think differently. I focus on different things and on things differently than I used to.

This was brought to mind by a quote from Dietrich Bonhoeffer:

God does not give us everything we want, but He does fulfill all His promises . . . leading us along the best and straightest paths to Himself.

As I come to know God better and better, something I think about more and more are His promises, which make a most profound statement about His character and the depth of His love for us. That cuts the wants of this world down to size and makes every day a wonderful new adventure worth getting up for.

second verse

2010-06-11T13:01:00.005-05:00

A phrase that I can no longer use with a straight face, one that people who know me won't let me get away with, is to refer to any passage of Scripture as "one of my favorites," since at one time or another I have said that of so many Bible verses. When I recently taught and preached at Grace Bible Church in Ripley, Mississippi, my wife needled me over whether the verses I taught on might already be marked in my friend Fredia's Bible, signifying that I had previously taught there on those passages. "Are these some of your favorite verses?" she inquired.

Reflecting on this, I realized that I do tend to return to certain passages when teaching and illustrating. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NASB) we learn that all Scripture useful for teaching; in presenting the Gospel and in preaching Jesus, which is always my goal, I guess that I tend to use Scriptures that had the most impact on me. Does that make them my favorites?

I am like most in that I do not read my Bible as often as I think I should nor as much as I say that I would like to. When I read, a temptation I must avoid is to return to those "favorite" passages always, instead exposing my mind to the entirety of God's Word. I want to cherish all of the Word the way I do those "favorite" passages, but I rest assured that when I do return to those seemingly well-known verses, God always can teach me more through them. I guess that is what is meant by the Word being living and active.

This comment from Charles H. Spurgeon was another part of what got me thinking about this.

Nobody ever outgrows Scripture; the book widens and deepens with our years.

apologies, bard

2010-06-04T21:13:00.004-05:00

To blog or not to blog, that is the question; whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer through silence as well as occasional outrageous comments, or to respond even to non sequitur and by responding, dignify them. To die, to blog no more; and by a post to say my thoughts might be on par with quotes from saints of old — 'tis a pride that flesh is prone to. To blog, to post; to post, perchance to influence. Ay, there's the rub.

quotpourri

2010-05-26T13:19:00.001-05:00

The gospel is so simple that simple children can understand it, and it is so profound that studies by the wisest theologians will never exhaust its riches.

Charles Hodge

misunderstanding

2010-05-21T09:34:00.011-05:00

So, I've been wrestling with this thought for several weeks but (until now?) have not been able to come up with the concise expression I wanted. The idea is this: I've been a believer for a long time now, and while God has brought me a long way from the mire that was my life without Him, He is showing me areas of my life where I thought I had improved (whatever that means) but haven't, at least not as much as I might like. To illustrate, let me pick on some great passages of Scripture.

I've long known that if one stands on the street corner in downtown America and asks various people, "Do you know a verse from the Bible?" the answer will often be "yes," and frequently the known verse will be John 3:16. Many can recite it, but therein lies a frustration: It rolls off the tongue with little or no thought as to the enormity of what is being expressed. Even (or maybe especially) the first six words: "For God so loved the world..." Because we can so easily say it without hearing what we are saying, when I want to share God's love with someone, I like to point them to Romans 5:6-10, and expecially verse 8, which expresses basically the same idea as that fabulous verse in the Gospel of John.

One can get to know something (or someone) so well that it is taken for granted, not appreciated or no longer valued as it should be.

Now, consider another well-known passage of Scripture:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5,6 (NASB)

I have known and loved these verses for a long, long, long, long time now, but recently it came to me just how much I do lean on my understanding in so many things. To lean on one's own understanding (may I say, knowledge) lies in opposition to the walk of faith which is pleasing to God. As Henri Nouwen said,

I often wonder if my knowledge about God has not become my greatest stumbling block to my knowledge of God.

I need Him to show me where the value and pursuit of knowledge necessarily ends (or better, yields to) the heart-felt faith and trust which is the basis for living dependently on Him.

Understanding and control are sought-after commodities in this world; we think that they are our best, or perhaps only, defense against the myriad problems and trials that characterize life on this earth. Always, the world is upside down from God's plan and way; "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways." (Isaiah 55:8) He may not calm the storm (although He can,) but he can calm my heart and fears and anxiety in the midst of any storm. "But I need help, not platitudes!" As has been said, let go and let God.

Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand.

Augustine

mom's the word

2010-05-09T07:58:00.001-05:00

I just felt like I wanted to say "Happy Mother's Day," not only to my wife, the mother of my children, but to others as well. My own mother went home to be with the Lord in 1986; I do miss her. My wife's mother lives next door to us, and she is a dear lady--one more way that I consider myself so blessed.

An old Jewish proverb goes:

God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers.

Erroneous theology, but hey, I love the sentiment! So, Happy Mother's Day!

more sand

2010-05-04T13:29:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I amaze myself. What I mean by that is despite whatever I've learned (or re-learned) or how much I've grown (or better, how much God has grown me,) I still encounter amazing pockets of foolishness and even stupidity within myself. Sometimes I think that the only real improvement is in more quickly recognizing and acknowledging these things.

Recently I've come to recognize more clearly the erroneous dependencies I have on people around me. Resumption of writing this blog has been one of the big eye-openers; also, the behavior of some that I have had high regard for, and my associated reactions, has been unsettling. The ongoing change at my church has also served to highlight some of this for me. As I have written, I believe that this is an inevitable result of not keeping or having our eyes fixed on Jesus.

Anyway, here is another quote relevant to this subtle selfishness.

You must not lose confidence in God because you lost confidence in your pastor. If our confidence in God had to depend upon our confidence in any human person, we would be on shifting sand.

Francis Schaeffer

if you please

2010-04-28T10:21:00.001-05:00

You know, lately I've had several things washing around in the back of my mind as potential blog topics. This morning, the following quote appeared on one of the quotes websites that I watch.

Cure yourself of the condition of bothering about how you look to other people. Be concerned only . . . with the idea God has of you.

Miguel de Unamuno

I had asked the Lord to lay on my heart what to write about next. Thank you, Lord!

Last week, a friend and I were having coffee, and our discussion arrived at the acknowledgment that almost every believer, regardless of goal or claim, still cares a great deal about what other people think. I certainly include myself in this (to my chagrin,) as I alluded to in one of last week's posts. Before we come to know Jesus, it is people we look to for [perfect] love and acceptance, a habit that is difficult at best to break. These attentions we give to others manifest themselves in amazing ways--how we dress, what kind of car one drives, the movies we say we like...

What we say we believe.

Several times in Scripture, the apostle Paul (in context) draws a distinction between pleasing men and pleasing God. For example, in Galatians 1:10, we read "... If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ." I think that even as our mindset changes (Romans 12:2) we tend to confuse serving people (love your neighbor as yourself) with pleasing people. It is easy to confuse loving a person (seeking what is in that person's best interest) with making that person happy; very often the two do not overlap at all. When I take my eyes off of Jesus, I'm in grave danger of catering to the reaction, i.e. acting to make someone happy, rather than letting Christ live through me to love and serve that person. But it takes God in Christ growing me to know the difference, even though it might seem so simple. Trusting God to grow me and live His life through me is the basis of a life pleasing to Him (Hebrews 11:6.)

Never, never pin your whole faith on any human being: not if he is the best and wisest in the whole world. There are lots of nice things you can do with sand; but do not try building a house on it.

C. S. Lewis

We must allow the Word of God to confront us, to disturb our security, to undermine our complacency and to overthrow our patterns of thought and behavior.

John Stott

quotpourri

2010-04-25T21:48:00.000-05:00

Why do so many people have struggles when it comes to prayer? ... Men and women were originally created to desire communion with God. But the effects of sin have dulled most of that original human desire. Sin turned a natural activity into an unnatural funciton.

Gordon McDonald

prayer

2010-04-22T22:18:00.004-05:00

I noticed today that my friend Mike, in the context of a recent post, made the comment, "One thing I've been thinking about is how much I need time for prayer. I think I need it more now than I ever have." As I have shared in the past, I breakfast with several men weekly for Bible study and fellowship, and [coincidentally] this morning we read Luke 6:12-19. Verse 12 says, "It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God." Wow. We spent time discussing this, and when I later read Mike's post, what conviction was brought to bear on me!

Last year I read George Müller's autobiography, and one of my reactions to it was the notion that I don't know how to pray at all; prayer was central and primary in Müller's life. I wonder if the disciple who asked of Jesus, "Lord, teach us to pray..." (Luke 11:1) also felt as I do sometimes. What an encouragement to read in Romans where the apostle Paul reminds us that we do not know how to pray as we should, and he goes on to say that the Spirit intercedes for us in prayer. As John Bunyan said,

In prayer it is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart.

As for more time for prayer, I've always felt that the scriptural exhortation to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thes. 5:17) underscored the fact that I'm never ever alone--the risen Jesus by His Spirit is always present within me. Even so, the expressed desire for more time for prayer, and the scripture relating how Jesus prayed all night, reminded me of this comment from Martin Luther:

I have so much to do (today) that I should spend the first three hours in prayer.

It's not unusual for me to not know how (or what) to pray, but neither have I grown to the point where prayer is as natural in my life as breathing. Lord Jesus, teach me to pray...

hello again

2010-04-20T09:49:00.003-05:00

Several close friends have encouraged me to resume sharing through this blog, and others have asked me why I stopped writing. Such comments are encouraging to me personally, but they also quickly reveal in me so many faults that God has yet to grow me beyond. For example, I am amazed that it stings so much that other people dear to me did not make such comments. I am really still that selfish.

No matter. For the last several days I have had a growing urge to write, and I am praying like crazy that God is stirring this up in me. Please pray that my mind would be an open canvas for God to use in the lives of whoever reads my posts. Also, when I have written in the past, I've been amazed at how impacted I've been--it had to be God putting the ideas there and then using them to grow me!

Having shared these personal thoughts, I will also share several quotes that caught my attention this morning as I perused my quotes file (now over fifty pages!) I am convicted by these comments as well as the encouragement of my friends to be diligent to share my thoughts as God does life with me.

Give what you have; to someone it may be better than you dare to think.

Longfellow

The repetition of small efforts will accomplish more than the occasional use of great talents.

Charles H. Spurgeon

provocation

2009-05-30T22:12:00.000-05:00

In Acts 17, it is recorded that the apostle Paul's "spirit was being provoked within him as he was observing the city [Athens] full of idols." Although I have no wish to compare the two, I had an experience earlier today that reminded me of this wording from verse 16 (NASB.)

As we are prone to do, my wife and I went on a brief (overnight) trip and returned today. We were driving the speed limit (70 mph) in the right lane of the interstate highway, and the traffic was very heavy. The "fast" lane, the left lane, stacked up and had to slow down, and it slowed to a solid line of cars and trucks that, even at their reduced speed, was still passing us.

I don't always like the speed limits set on various roads or necessarily agree with them, but it is a biblical principle that we obey civil laws unless they contradict obedience and worship of God. I therefore routinely try to be attentive to the speed limits and obey them when I drive, and it distresses me when I'm not only regularly but frequently passed when I am obeying the speed limit. I feel provoked when lights are flashed at me, I'm honked at, gestured at for... obeying the law? And I feel certain that a fair number of those drivers would say that they are Christians.

Now, let me hurriedly say that I realize that this could quickly sour into a self-righteous, judgmental anger; I certainly don't want to do that! My thinking tends not to pointing out error in others so much as to what messages we send, intentionally or not. Even though my spirit is provoked, I am distressed, at how easily and casually so many people [apparently] disregard the law, I have more than once, after a moment of inattention, found myself exceeding the speed limit, breaking that same law. Whether intentional or not, what message do I send to a watching world if someone, knowing the faith that I profess, happens to see me breaking the law of the land?

In Proverbs 3:6, we are told to acknowledge [God] in all of our ways. Dependence on and obedience to God needs to be primary in every area of my life. Join me as I reflect on this quote from Donald Soper, who said,

Christianity must mean everything to us before it can mean anything to others.

getting older

2009-01-28T20:18:00.002-06:00

Several years before my dad passed away, I remember him saying that he daily reflected that it could be his last day. I knew that this had come about because of some recent health issues he had had, but I didn't quite know what to say. As so frequently happens, God put words into my mouth: "Well, dad, that's a fact that we all face." He muttered that sometimes something brings it from the back of our minds to the front.

I was reminded of this tonight as I sat at my house, trying to get warm. I have my feet on a heating pad--I especially have trouble getting and keeping my feet warm these days, along with lower legs and hands. I figure that perhaps this is an artifact of diabetes, with which I was diagnosed a little over a year ago. Now, I don't dwell on death because of this or for any other reason, but as I sit here aching and trying to get comfortable, it occurs to me that like everything else in this life, I need to think properly about the aches, pains, and changes in my body that seem to increase as I get older. Thinking properly in this case means knowing that these aches and discomforts are among the "various trials" spoken of in 1 Peter 1:6 (read it in context here.) I won't let them keep me from bearing fruit for the Lord by serving people according to whatever opportunity he opens before me.

Jesus defeated death--not only physical death, through his resurrection, but also spiritual death (separation from God,) when he accomplished reconciliation at the cross. As Dwight L. Moody said,

The valley of the shadow of death holds no darkness for the child of God. There must be light, else there could be no shadow. Jesus is the light. He has overcome death.

quotpourri

2009-01-12T08:44:00.004-06:00

[kwoh-poo-ree, kwoh-poo-ree], a collection of miscellaneous quotations

If a church wants a better pastor, it can get one by praying for the one it has.

~Robert E. Harris

gift

2008-12-23T13:54:00.002-06:00

There has been only one Christmas - the rest are anniversaries.

~W.J. Cameron

I don't know if Cameron was thinking of the advent of the Savior when he said this, but it certainly is where my mind went. In Isaiah 9:6 we read, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Most, when asked, would correctly answer that we celebrate a birth at Christmas, that of Jesus. Scripture tells us that not only was a child born but a son was given. The Son. Jesus.

This year, this season, this Christmas, this birthday, this anniversary of the giving of a son, the Son, if you don't know Jesus, then accept the greatest gift of all. In Matthew 11:28, he says, "Come to me..."

the giving of thanks

2008-11-27T06:34:00.001-06:00

For the last several years, whether it be a blog post or teaching a class or leading a small group, I at Thanksgiving have shared the proclamation from George Washington that initiated the holiday of Thanksgiving in the United States. If you've never read it (or even if you have,) you can find it in my post from last Thanksgiving.

This year I feel a sense of quiet and contemplation, and my thoughts are on how flippant I think we can be when we offer thanks to God for his many blessings. I feel like I want to apologize to God for the many who seem to live independently and selfishlly through the year and then offer thanks on this particular day. I'm not saying that such thanksgiving is insincere--praise God that he knows the heart! I just don't want my thankfulness (or anyone else's) to be perfunctory.

It has been a busy fall for me and my family (as evidenced by the decreased frequency of my blog posts) and as we slow down a bit, I want to be, and to stay, mindful of God's hand in my life. This quiet time is a chance to reflect on him and how worthy he is of my trust.

For the rest of my life I'm going to trust that God is always at work in all things, and give him thanks long before my simplest prayers are answered.

- Nancy Parker Brummett

The next time you see me, ask me if I've given thanks today.

music for my soul

2008-10-18T14:51:00.010-05:00

This morning I awoke and, after laying there for as long as my cat would let me, I got up. I ate, prepared a cup of hot tea, and turned on my stereo. I love music, and about the only time I just sit and listen is on Saturday mornings.

I really enjoy music of all kinds. I love music. On the rare occasion that I can just sit and enjoy it, I really get into it and it speaks to me. I'm not talking about anything mystical, but as Richard Dreyfuss' character in the movie Mr. Holland's Opus said, "Music [is] the language of emotion."

When I was a kid in school, my parents paid for guitar lessons for me, but I lacked the personal discipline to study, practice, and learn the basics. You see, God had given me "an ear for music," and so, rather than practicing and really learning to read and play music, I more or less ignored my instructor, and "picked out" each new song. I could hear it and then "play" what I heard. However, because I did not learn and develop the proper foundation, today I really can't play an instrument other than a stereo.

Even though I have regrets about not being able to "give" musically, I consider it a great gift to hear and appreciate music, to be moved by it, and I have often enjoyed discussing feelings evoked by this song or that. Even more, it is awesome to give praise to God for the musical talents he has bestowed on some of the people I know, such as both my kids, or my friends Tony, Billy, Eric, Wayne, and others.

Perhaps you're wondering where I am headed with this musing. Jesus told his disciples of something they had been given, and it kind of jumped out at me recently when I reread it. Today I quote my Lord, from Matthew 13:10-11:

And the disciples came and said to Him, "Why do You speak to them in parables?"
Jesus answered them, "To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted."

I have long known of and have heard from other believers about the hunger satisfied, the various emotions evoked, the need filled by reading the scriptures. And, of course, I've had others tell me they get nothing from reading the Bible. I don't remember thinking of that understanding (itself) as a gift, but it is. Certainly the Spirit by whom we understand is a gift.

Sometimes my music is playing and I'm not moved by it--it's just on. Sometimes I read my bible and there are just the words--I don't hear. But just as I sometimes let go, focus on the music, hear the meaning as well as the sound, God has granted to me (and to all believers) to know Him and what he has revealed in the words of scripture. All I have to do is listen--it's like music for my soul.

on pride (again)

2008-08-25T09:08:00.009-05:00

Make a list of what you believe to be your strengths. Your gifts, talents. Things that you enjoy doing. Things that, when God lays it on your heart to serve someone, you would first think to do. If you are convinced that you know of a spiritual gift that God has blessed you with, be sure that you include it in your list.

Now, consider the list you have made. Do you know that it is also a list of your weaknesses? These are your greatest vulnerabilities because they are areas of life and experience where it is easiest to act independently of God. These are areas where you can quickly forget about Him, both in terms of depending on Him for the power and ultimately giving Him the glory. When someone thanks you for your service, or compliments your devotion, your human pride easily sneaks in to lap it up! Consider this statement by Augustine:

Other sins find their vent in the accomplishment of evil deeds, whereas pride lies in wait for good deeds, to destroy them.

God has recently been showing me areas in my life where, even if there was no overt pride felt or expressed, there were still "cracks in the character" where pride seeped in and motivated my responses to tests and trials, rather than the humility of mind that He desires. That I am shocked to find these weaknesses is telling of the depth of my need for Christ, even after He has grown me for these years.

Praise God for His love and patience with me! I figure that all of my life, most (if not all) of my struggles and failures will be traceable to pride. As C. S. Lewis said,

Pride leads to every other vice: it is the complete anti-God state of mind.

always near

2008-08-18T10:00:00.001-05:00

If the devil were wise enough and would stand by in silence and let the gospel be preached, he would suffer less harm. For when there is no battle for the gospel it rusts and it finds no cause and no occasion to show its vigor and power. Therefore, nothing better can befall the gospel than that the world should fight it with force and cunning.

—Martin Luther

The world does actively fight the gospel; it is an offensive message to people that any, much less their best, effort is of no avail in securing reconciliation with God or righteousness before Him. The good news is that Jesus accomplished what no other person could, by his sacrifice reconciling us to God and qualifying us to receive his righteous life in exchange for our sin.

When I read the quote from Luther, my mind moved on through the world's reaction to the gospel (generally) to the world's reaction to me (specifically) as a Christian and the message that my life speaks.

Recently one of the men I work with was involved in a traffic accident. He was riding his motorcycle to work when someone turned directly in front of him. He now has one less motorcycle and one more broken leg than before. The results could easily have been more tragic, and although surgery may be required, he will heal all right, thankfully.

It is often said that people just don't see motorcyclists; in the past when I have ridden motorcycles, I've always assumed that not only do other drivers see me, they will try their best to hit me! I figured that such wariness was the biggest contribution to my own safety that I could make. In reflecting on this again recently, I came to realize that there is an analogy to be drawn in my Christian walk.

We learn from scripture, along with so much more, that we have an enemy in life. For safety's sake, a motorcyclist might think of other drivers as adversaries, but in the Bible we are told that Satan really is our adversary. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8.) I have known Christians who don't believe that there is a devil, even though the scriptures declare him real; there is danger for them and for me if I don't take seriously his cunning and scheming.

However, just as my wariness when riding a motorcycle does not guarantee my safety, the power to resist and overcome the schemes of the devil lies not in my efforts or resourcefullness but in God's protecting hand. His promise to never leave or forsake us, the fact that he, in the person of his son Jesus Christ, overcame the world, is safety that I can rest in by faith. My own awareness and God's protecting hand are seen in James 4: Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you...

one of those days

2008-08-14T12:27:00.002-05:00

Here in the Texas heat, it seems that the last several weeks have been characterized more by perspiration than inspiration, but today God has placed encouragement on my heart that I must share.

Yesterday, I kind of "hit bottom." In the evenings when I go home from work, I habitually turn on the news; if one wants encouragement, don't do this! I had sent a note of encouragement to a close friend; the response so far is silence. Candidly, he owes me no reply, but I'm disappointed. Vacation is over. The culmination of all of this, yesterday, was dejection, poor attitude, emotional fatigue. In short, I spent the day yesterday thinking of myself.

Today has been much better. It began with my brothers at my men's breakfast, spending time together in the word. But the even stronger shot in the arm, and I know it's God by his spirit whispering in my ear, came moments ago, in the form of the "random quote" that came up when I looked:

It is not after we were reconciled by the blood of his Son that God began to love us, but before the foundation of the world.

—John Calvin

The next time you have "one of those days," remember that it really is one of those, like every other: God loves you dearly, warts and all.

being back

2008-07-29T07:56:00.003-05:00

I recently alluded to the fact of my family's summer vacation. One of the things that inevitably happens when we return from such a trip is that we get cranky because we are not still gone! I guess it is typical human behavior to complain along with, or rather than, thanking God for his provision of rest and enjoyment along with other blessings. With this in mind, I thought I'd share the comment made by my wife yesterday morning (our first day back) as we prepared for work:

I need some altitude, but I suspect I'll just have attitude.

indescribable

2008-07-22T13:57:00.004-05:00

Last year, while on a camping trip, I did a post entitled "know who did it," speaking of God and His creative genius. During my vacation in Colorado, I have been thinking of His creation again--it is difficult not to as I am surrounded by beauty: Here at Leadville, I am staring out the window of my RV at Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive, Colorado's two tallest peaks, and the hummingbirds are just going nuts around the feeder hanging just outside. Earlier, when we had to refill it, I took it out to hang it back up and a hummingbird flew up and began feeding while I was still holding it!

I have been musing on how awesome God's creation is, and I began thinking of how to express it. Then I began to realize that to call God and His creation awesome, matchless, or for that matter any other description I could come up with is to limit Him to the bounds of the creation within which we live. For to describe something is to bound it, to limit our field of view of it, and God is truly indescribable, as is His creation.

God is infinite in all of His attributes, including His love and faithfulness. Knowing this should bring great comfort and encouragement to us. George Muller put it this way in his autobiography:

Those who trust in the Lord will never be disappointed. ...If we were to lean upon man, we would surely be disappointed; but in leaning upon the living God alone, we are beyond disappointment and beyond being forsaken for any reason.

again I say

2008-07-06T12:21:00.003-05:00

I'm reminded of Philippians 3:1, where the apostle Paul writes, "Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you." Now, what made me think of this verse is the phrase to write the same things to you again. For today my thoughts return to a topic that I've written about several times before--the stuff of one's relationship with God.

God speaks to us through his word; we speak to God through prayer. This basic expression of the personal relationship with God is easy to state and understand, but for many if not most Christians, it is difficult to practice. I struggle myself with the discipline needed to daily open the word and my mind to it. Prayer can easily decline to a selfish listing of wants rather than intimate communion with a friend. Perhaps that is why I felt compelled to write this short blurb, again, when I saw this statement from Hudson Taylor:

Do not have your concert first, and then tune your instrument afterwards. Begin the day with the Word of God and prayer, and get first of all into harmony with Him.

can't or can't hardly?

2008-06-30T11:03:00.004-05:00

I remember when, as a child, I would get frustrated and say, "I can't..." My dad invariably would respond with, "Can't or can't hardly?" I'd cry out, "I can't do this!" and he would say, "Can't or can't hardly?" I might say, "I can't wait!" and there he would be replying, "Can't or can't hardly?" It was maddening, but I would realize that in almost every instance my frustration did not come from inability but impatience.

Lately I have been musing over occasions which cause me to say, "I can hardly wait." At this time of year, a big one is family vacation. I look forward to getting away from routine, into the mountains, out of the heat. I like to travel anyway, and my friends know that I'd be gone all the time were it not for little, insignificant things such as having to work for a living, high fuel prices, etc.

I have a close friend who lives in Tucson, and we both look forward to being able to get together on a vacation trip. We've camped together in the past, but the last time was five years ago, and we "can hardly wait" to do so again. Looking forward to getting together isn't so much for the vacation or the camping, even though we both enjoy those; it is for the reunion because we love each other as friends and brothers in Christ.

Lately I've been convicted that, while I have [truthfully] said, "I can't wait for Jesus to come back!" it is not the same kind of yearning. I commented on this to another friend over coffee this morning, and he referred to Jesus' return as [the beginning of] the ultimate vacation; if I look forward to it through the lens of my own understanding (What will it be like?) as an eschatological topic, I won't yearn for it like I will seeing a brother again. But that's the key--I can hardly wait to be together with my closest brother, Jesus! (See Romans 8:29-20, Hebrews 2:9-13.) As A. W. Tozer said,

It is precisely the "yearning" and the "fainting" for the return of Christ that has distinguished the personal hope from the theological one. Mere acquaintance with correct doctrine is a poor substitute for Christ, and familiarity with New Testament eschatology will never take the place of a love-inflamed desire to look on his face.

extraordinary days

2008-06-20T10:37:00.002-05:00

The most extraordinary thing in the world is an ordinary man and an ordinary woman and their ordinary children.

—G.K. Chesterton

My wife and I married 28 years ago today. I adore her, and although we, like most people, have had ups and downs, our life together has been and is wonderful. Along the way, it got substantially better when through Christ, God drew me back into relationship with himself. I can almost reach out and touch the difference in my relationships with my wife, my kids, indeed, all the people in my life, made when Jesus Christ is at the center of my own life.

Every day is an extraordinary day when one walks with the Lord. We are ordinary people, an ordinary family, but we are useful in God's hands. That is not a statement about us but about God--join me in praising him and glorifying him, today.

care and feeding

2008-06-17T08:59:00.005-05:00

I love to teach, and so far in my life I've had any number of opportunities to do so. I worked as an instructor for a computer company about twenty years ago, but the most memorable and rewarding opportunities I've had were at my church, sharing with others from the word of God. Not only were there huge blessings in guiding others in the word, but God used those times mightily in my life, teaching me his word.

I remember that one struggle that I continually dealt with was the temptation to let any preparation for a class supersede or replace my own personal study and quiet times with the Lord. I had early recognized a difference in preparing to teach and daily devotional reading of the word. I could never quite put my finger on the difference until I read this comment from C. S. Lewis:

A man can't be always defending the truth; there must be a time to feed on it.

That helped me greatly because it not only asserted the necessity of personal time in the word apart from class preparation, but somehow I also sensed a warning to be certain I was defending the truth rather than my beliefs. Of course, my heart's desire is that I know and believe the truth, and that where the personal time in the word comes in.

Even when not teaching, attending a class is no substitute for private, personal time in the word. As beneficial as the class is, reading and studying together with others, discussing, learning from one another, it can't replace the bringing of an open heart and teachable mind to a loving personal God in his word.

I'm not doing any teaching right now, and that is a mixed blessing. It is good in a way to have a rest (and continue to feed on the word,) but I pray that God will sometime, somewhere, open a teaching opportunity for me and then push me to serve his people that way.

a quote of the day

2008-06-12T15:20:00.002-05:00

I don't usually post quotes without comment since I blog to share thoughts in me stirred by various quotes, or else the thoughts I had which brought a certain quote to mind. However, I thought I'd share this from Charles Spurgeon unencumbered.

You cannot preach conviction of sin unless you have suffered it. You cannot preach repentance unless you have practiced it. You cannot preach faith unless you have exercised it. True preaching is artesian; it wells up from the great depths of the soul. If Christ has not made a well within us, there will be no outflow from us.

my life?

2008-06-09T11:48:00.004-05:00

We started a new sermon series at my church yesterday, on the parables of Jesus. It began with a great discussion about new wine in old wineskins. I don't remember if the pastor used these exact words necessarily, but I came away with the thought that Jesus does not want to be a part of my life--he wants to be my life, if I'll let him! It brought this quote to mind.

There is only one relationship that matters, and that is your personal relationship to a personal Redeemer and Lord. Let everything else go, but maintain that at all cost, and God will fulfill His purpose through your life. (This includes meeting the needs of your heart.) One individual life may be of priceless value to God's purposes, and yours may be that life.

—Oswald Chambers

you too can be unpopular

2008-06-04T22:11:00.008-05:00

Among my earliest memories are times at church with my mother and sister, and in particular I remember quite a number of Bible verses that I memorized. (Cool--I must have really memorized them!) Among countless gifts from God is a pretty good memory, and one of the verses I remember is Proverbs 27:6. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.

I must confess that most of the times in my life that I have meditated on this verse, it has been from the standpoint of the recipient of the wounds or kisses, as the case may be. Recently, however, the tables have turned and my thoughts have tended to my choice of giving the wounds or kisses. On a number of occasions that I can think of, I'm afraid that my dealings with people in my life have been more on the order of deceitful kisses than faithful wounds. The interactions that I am thinking about were not overt deceitfulness but subtle complacency--at their core, just plain selfishness.

What has brought this line of thinking about is not the verse in Proverbs but another passage of scripture. I have mentioned in the past (several times, I believe) that I breakfast with a close-knit group of men on Thursdays for Bible study, fellowship, support and accountability. Several weeks ago, we began reading the book of Galatians together. Early on, Galatians 1:10 leaped out at me.

For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.

The last sentence in particular seized my attention, for the apostle Paul seems to set in direct opposition the pleasing of people with serving the Lord. I think that most of us try to please people around us, especially those that we call friends. We like to see those people closest to us happy. But Paul teaches, in essence, "I can either please people or be a servant of Christ."

The error (seeking to please people) is very subtle and is easy to wrap in a veneer of "Christian virtue." But Jesus' command is "Love one another, as I have loved you." As C. S. Lewis said,

Love is not affectionate feeling, but a steady wish for the loved person's ultimate good as far as it can be obtained.

Viewing this through the lens of Proverbs 27:6, sometimes the choice is whether to love or please someone. Looking back, I think that sometimes my motivation to "please" a person was fear of being hurt myself. However, Jesus loves me perfectly and will not leave me, so the step of faith is to love people with his love, seeking the loved person's good even if it hurts.

We certainly don't want to set out to wound a friend, but choosing to do what is in a person's best interests may be painful. It may be easier to do what seems to please everyone, but how often do we recognize, let alone believe, that the more popular path consists of the actions of an enemy rather than a friend?

grand funk (with apologies to rockers everywhere)

2008-05-29T10:03:00.006-05:00

It seems that quite a few people in my life are particularly burdened these days. It seems more and more common to hear a comment like, "I've been in a funk lately." If you're hoping for something profound from me about this... Sorry! But you know me and my quotes, and as I [this morning] encountered even more who seemed listless and fatigued in so many ways, several quotes and the associated rabbit trails of thought came to mind.

First and foremost, I identify. I've had some particular struggles for a while now; I know and understand some of the things that have brought on these struggles in me, but there are other feelings I have but don't really know why. As a result, when I read scripture it seems dry and vague; when I pray I think that I sense distance between me and God. When I figuratively stand aside and look at me, it kind of sticks out that my relationship with God is under assault! This just serves to illustrate why it is so crucial to base my relationship with him on the truth of the word rather than my experience. I must continually remind myself of this; even when my experience might suggest otherwise, the truth from his word is that his love for me is never-ending and never fails. His wisdom in guiding my life is implicitly perfect and trustworthy. His power and faithfulness to deliver on what he has promised cannot be thwarted or denied. On these bases, I read and I pray; this morning I thought about the great expositor Matthew Henry, who said

When I can not enjoy the faith of assurance, I live by the faith of adherence.

At my church, we have taught for many years that feelings and emotions are not trustworthy to base decisions and life choices on. I think that some heard that feelings and emotions are bad, but this is not what was intended. Rather, my life, my walk with God, is based on the truth of the word, and so I walk on, regardless of how I feel.

Abraham Lincoln said,

To ease another's heartache is to forget one's own.

This verbalizes the other thought I had: What an opportunity to serve when I encounter someone who is struggling! And while I might ultimately desire to help someone let go of a burden, my best service is not necessarily to preach or give answers but to laugh with, cry with, live with, love on my neighbor! Jesus is the great physician; I by his power want to render service that is useful in lifting that funk. Consistent with Lincoln's comment, I see in me the forgetting of struggles when God opens opportunities to serve and I focus on the needs of others. So often the best service is genuineness and open, willing fellowship.

In my own case, I'm amazed at how God has repeatedly, in the midst of simple fellowship with his people, revealed Himself to be the solution to the "struggle of the day." Most frequently that has taken the form of something being said that takes my mind back to specifics in the scriptures. All the while I thought I was serving the other person!

If you're feeling burdened, strugglilng, in a funk, take heart; walk on in your relationship with God, no matter how it "feels." Love on the people God has placed in your life, and don't be surprised when he uses your service to bless you.

bragging on God

2008-05-20T08:26:00.006-05:00

Tomorrow my daughter leaves on a short-term mission trip to Russia. This will be her second trip there, and to say that I am very proud of her would be understatement. However, I am always mindful that she is the fabulous young lady that she is because of God and the way He has gifted her. Now thereby hangs a tale.

This morning as I sat eating breakfast, she came in and sat down with me. During the course of our conversation she mentioned that she needed to come up with a devotional for the [Russia] team. You see, the team does a devotional together each day during the trip, and each team member leads at least one of those sessions. Predictably, I began thinking of what I might do if the assignment was mine. After a moment, my mind went to Psalm 34:1-3:

I will bless the LORD at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

My soul will make its boast in the LORD;
The humble will hear it and rejoice.

O magnify the LORD with me,
And let us exalt His name together.

I talked to her about verse 3 in particular, where in the New American Standard Bible it is rendered "O magnify the Lord with me." (In the New International Version, is says, "Glorify the Lord...") What does it mean to "magnify the Lord?" Make God bigger? When one looks at the moon through a telescope, the moon doesn't get bigger--we see it bigger. And I think that's what the psalmist meant--glorify the Lord, see Him bigger, as big as he truly is. Too often we look at God through the eyes of our own understanding, and so we'll always see him too small. Let me mention a quote here that I've mentioned before:

If God were small enough to be understood, He would not be big enough to be worshiped.

—Evelyn Underhill

But verse 2 was the nugget for me this morning; the psalmist said, "My soul will make its boast in the Lord." I'm proud of both of my kids, but they're God's kids first, and they are fine people not because of me but because of the way he made and gifted them. Praise Him!

from another father to one

2008-04-30T09:10:00.004-05:00

You may or may not have been aware that I have a son who has been serving with the Army in Iraq. Upon discovering this, many would ask me how I was doing, whether or not I worried, was I stressed, etc.

I would respond that the fact of my son choosing to be in harm's way (and he did choose it) changed nothing for me; I have long been comfortable with the fact that protection for my loved ones can only come from God and not from any effort (or worry) of mine. The dangers my son faces may seem more imminent, but witness the tragic events that can occur "at home," such as the Virginia Tech shootings a year ago. What, or better, where is safe?

It would be a lie to say I did not worry, but my faith in Jesus Christ and trust in God's sovereignty have allowed me to be at peace with the circumstances of life, even if and when I don't understand the events that occur. Even if tragedy struck, I would want my response to be to praise and thank God for his grace and love.

Benjamin B. Warfield said,

A firm faith in the universal providence of God is the solution of all earthly troubles.

Some might hear that and say, "Well, you don't understand my problems!" or "You'd be saying something different if..." Warfield understood; his wife was paralyzed soon after their marriage. Even so, he cared for her throughout their 39 years of marriage, and he remained a yielded, faithful servant of God. Read about him here.

Today, I praise and thank God for protecting my son, who I spoke with last night. He is back in this country, this tour of duty coming to an end, and he should be home this weekend. So, from just another human father to the one Father of all, who loves me as if there were no other, so much that he didn't spare his own son, and indeed he loves all with that same boundless love, praise and glory to you, Lord.

not "all alone"

2008-04-21T12:37:00.009-05:00

The Bible knows nothing of solitary religion.

—John Wesley

Satan watches for those vessels that sail without convoy.

—George Swinnock

When my wife and I first joined our church (over 18 years ago--wow, where has the time gone?) there was a large red banner across the back of the auditorium. The banner, in large white lettering, proclaimed Romans 12:5: So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. I can still remember my disappointment when the banner was taken down. Recently I began to ponder this verse anew as the latest teaching series at church is a "One Another" series.

The Greek word translated as "one of another" is allēlōn, and I have always been amused that while the English pronunciation sounds somewhat like "all alone," the usage in context points in the opposite direction. Romans 12:5 speaks to our mutual need for each other in the body of Christ; each of us has a unique function within the body according to how God has made, has gifted, us. I'm afraid that some can read this and think something like, "Oh, my church job description!" This at best is an impersonal view of something intended to be very personal; we learn in Ephesians 4:16 that building each other, and ultimately the body, up in love is the goal.

But I have always thought of the banner, hence Romans 12:5, in terms of navigating daily life and how God never intended that I do that alone. Perhaps it isn't really an abuse of context since we are talking about [Christ's] body life. Particularly in the individualistic (can I just say selfish) society in which we live, it is so easy to forget or just plain ignore our need for each other; combine this with my human tendency to withdraw and isolate when problems are encountered, failures occur, etc. and I appreciate just how vulnerable I am!

The teaching series at church has been a great reminder. You may hear a series like that or else read a post like this one and just say, "I know that." But as Samuel Johnson said,

People need to be reminded more often than they need to be instructed.

Remind me (again) and I'll remind you. Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)

what do you look like?

2008-04-14T08:15:00.008-05:00

Norman Rockwell was still producing cover art for the Saturday Evening Post when I was born. Even so, I have no direct memories of those magazine covers, yet I grew up hearing about Rockwell and his works and being familiar with many of them at an early age. One of my favorites has always been the work entitled "Triple Self Portrait." I remember being quite entertained by the difference in the image in the mirror versus what was being painted on the canvas.

We all have an idea of what we look like. The physical is easily confirmed (or denied!) by looking into most any available mirror (whether to our delight or dismay is another matter.) Similarly, we all have an idea of what we look like in character--who we are--but discovering the reality is a bit more difficult than the physical, and it is generally much more sobering. The reality consists in how others perceive us; as I've gotten older, I've come to realize that frequently others view me very differently from how I think of myself.

One of the great joys for a Christian is the realization that God knew exactly the person each of us was, warts and all, when Jesus died on the cross to secure for us forgiveness of sins, to redeem us, and to reconcile us to himself. That is the realization of God's love for us. For you. "...while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8.) Common in the experience of Christians, however, is that as God grows us and teaches us, we more and more see ourselves as God does, and that is disheartening to say the least. We increasingly see that not only do we fall short of the glory of God, we understand more and more how far short we fall! I can get pretty dejected when I think about this.

That is in essence looking backward; our focus should be that God loves us. Lay hold of the truth put forth in Leighton Ford's comment,

God loves us the way we are but He loves us too much to leave us that way.

If you know Jesus as lord and savior, it is God who has begun to work in you and he will complete what he started. And that work is to conform you to the image of his son--not how he looks but who he is.

and how long will you be staying?

2008-04-07T08:34:00.006-05:00

I spent much of last Saturday with my CD collection. I've been ripping my music down to MP3 format with plans to build a music server. This just adds fuel to the fire when my friends refer to me as a geek.

No matter. One of my favorite artists from way back is Gordon Lightfoot, and even though I like his earlier works best, I own one of his later CD's which is entitled "A Painter Passing Through." I had not thought about this disc for a long time but again encountered it this weekend.

I've always enjoyed meditating on that album title; I identified with it in a certain sense. A Painter Passing Through. I don't consider myself an artist of any kind, but I love to reflect on the notion that I'm passing through. I think of passages of scripture such as in Philippians 3, where Paul reminds us that we are "citizens of heaven." That notion, along with pondering Christ's return, helps me bear much frustration associated with living in this world.

Reflecting again on the Lightfoot album title, I was reminded of this quote:

The only ultimate disaster that can befall us, I have come to realize, is to feel ourselves at home here on earth.

—Malcolm Muggeridge

Live daily with the joy that this is not all there is! Even though I need to be diligent in my pursuits and the discharge of my responsibilities, and there are all kinds of frustrations that can derail me (if I let them,) those things just don't stack up against God's promise in Christ of eternal life with him. That is abundant life that begins anew every day.

he is risen indeed

2008-03-23T10:45:00.002-05:00

Those of you who know me well always pick on me when I call a passage of scripture "my favorite" since at one time or another I've said that about so many verses. So today, Easter Sunday, I want to share a favorite passage which one might not normally think of for Easter. I find it particularly moving today as Jesus himself addresses John in Revelation 1:17-18a. John writes,

When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saying, "Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore..."

I love it. "I was dead"--past tense. "Behold, I am alive"--present tense--"forevermore..."

the right goal

2008-03-10T14:46:00.006-05:00

The essence of temptation is the invitation to live independently of God.

—Neil Anderson

If temptation is an invitation, then one might think of sin as the acceptance of that invitation. This realization helps bring sharply into focus the fact that sinful living does not consist primarily of "performing wrong acts" but living with the wrong goal, or better, the wrong master.

This is not to say that sinful actions are not sinful; many (if not all) such actions are sinful not so much because of the act itself but because of the attitude underlying it: selfishness. To love someone as Jesus commanded is to seek that person's best interest regardless of consequence. Proper motivation for such love and service is understanding God's love and provision in Christ for me.

When I accepted Jesus Christ as my savior and confessed Jesus as Lord of my life, I died to my old master (sin) and became alive to my new master (righteousness.) I died to my old master (self) and I live for my new master (Christ.) This foundational truth permeates scripture, but I especially like 2 Corinthians 5:15 which says

...He died for all, that they who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.

Looking back on my Christian life so far, I find that there were sinful acts that I used to but no longer engage in; however, they did not cease because of my efforts but because of God's efforts--Christ's life in me, teaching me, growing me, giving me proper focus. I am now able to not sin in those ways because I learned from God in Christ that he is trustworthy in those areas and I do trust him. In areas of my life where I have yet to learn to trust God, I still experience failure by living selfishly--or to put it bluntly, I still sin.

I find then, especially since all of my sins were dealt with at the cross, that to cease from sin is the wrong goal for me, indeed for any Christian. Whenever I have expended effort toward that end, I end up focussed on and mired in the sin. The right goal is to know God better and better; he reveals himself through his word, and as he enlightens me and I see that he is trustworthy in that area of my life too (whatever it is,) I live depending on him, and the behavior takes care of itself.

The key lies in knowing the truth and being set free by it. When a temptation whispers in my ear, I play it against the truth and believe and act on the truth.

Sin is still sin, and God's grace is not license to do anything one wants. With freedom comes responsibility. But being free means that I no longer have to worry about my worthiness (Christ is my worthiness.) I can joyfully focus on my relationship with God and the people he has placed in my life.

talking with a friend

2008-02-29T16:52:00.005-06:00

The essence of a relationship is communication. Take a moment and think about your closest friends. How do you communicate with them? How do you talk to your closest friends?

The real Christian life consists of relationships. First and foremost, our relationship with God. Then, as we grow in our relationship with Him and He grows us in our walk, we learn how to have deep, meaningful relationships with others; we can love people as Jesus commanded (John 13:34-35) and serve them as Jesus demonstrated (John 13:12-15.)

Communication. God talks to us through his Word. We talk to God in prayer. I've seen and heard a lot about prayer lately, and some of it is just weird. Are you uncomfortable comparing how you talk with a close friend to how you talk with God? I'm not suggesting that reverence be set aside and I'm not encouraging flippant informality, but I've thought a great deal about my prayer life lately and I see that it has changed from ritualistic and stiffly formal when I was younger to a continual, intimate conversation today. The author of Hebrews reminds us to come confidently, or boldly, before the throne of grace.

Jesus' disciples asked him to teach them to pray. Today he by his spirit continues to teach us to pray if we listen (Romans 8:26.) Do not despair if talking to God seems awkward; Gordon MacDonald said

Why do so many people have struggles when it comes to prayer? ... Men and women were originally created to desire communion with God. But the effects of sin have dulled most of that original human desire. Sin turned a natural activity into an unnatural function.

It is not prayer that we should reverence but God. It gets easier to talk to him as you get to know him better. Grow in your relationship with God by listening to him through Bible study--he'll reveal himself to you.

Those who know God the best are the richest and most powerful in prayer. Little acquaintance with God, and strangeness and coldness to Him, make prayer a rare and feeble thing.
--E. M. Bounds

greater love

2008-02-12T10:05:00.001-06:00

My friend Mike, in a recent post, apologized for several days of absence. I have to apologize for a month, and I really haven't been nearly as busy as Mike! However, life happens, and the time gets away if we're not careful to live each day intentionally.

My thoughts today are fairly simple. God has lately been loving on my family like crazy with his blessings. My son is home on leave from his service in Iraq and is doing well. My daughter has been spear-heading the formation of a chapter of a Christian fellowship sorority at her college; I don't know who is more excited, her or me! The presence or absence of such blessings does not measure God's love for us; indeed, God loves us beyond our comprehension, a fact which in unto itself is one complete expression of his character.

Jesus commands us to love each other as he has loved us (John 13:34,35.) His love might be most evident in his accomplishment on earth 2000 years ago, but the depth of his love is daily before me as he cares for me, my family, indeed, all his children. Let us strive for that level of devotion to the people God places in our lives. As Clarence Jordan said,

The measure of a Christian is not in the height of his grasp but in the depth of his love.

election year

2008-01-14T13:01:00.000-06:00

I can't resist. I know that this is quite an aside from what I usually share here, but this being a big election year, and the media assault already being well underway, I just have to share this quote. It seems apropos.

A lie goes half way around the world before the truth can get its pants on.

—Winston Churchill

success

2008-01-12T09:22:00.000-06:00

I've been trying (unsuccessfully until now) to write this post for several weeks now. It started when I came across this from Wilbur Chapman:

Anything that dims my vision for Christ, or takes away my taste for Bible study, or cramps me in my prayer life, or makes Christian work difficult, is wrong for me; and I must, as a Christian turn away from it.

You see, there are several different directions to consider this thought from. An obvious application is to turn away from sin or any empty, unprofitable pursuit. Less obvious is the need to cease (or at least suspend for a time) otherwise good things which we replace God with in our lives. Sometimes good things can be the obstacle to our faith if improperly motivated or done for selfish reasons. Therein lies the difficulty I've had with this post.

In Chapman's quote, there's the phrase "...makes Christian work difficult, ..." My dilemma is that sometimes Christian work is the problem. This is not to say that the work in itself is bad; I'm talking about the attitude with which the work is done. Hopefully that distinction is clear.

The other thing that made this post difficult is that it hit home with me; God has been pruning in my life and some of the things he is showing me that need to go are a few of my involvements at my church! In unto themselves, these involvements are good but they are obstacles to my walk with God, ultimately, because I am not doing them depending on Christ for the power. As such, these activities are not fruitful in God's eyes and are burdens (rather than blessings) to me.

Just as I have prayerfully considered these things in my life, let me caution you not to rationalize away your ministries in a church body or in the lives of people that God has placed into your life. Let us look at every aspect of our lives through the lens of the Word; consider John 15:4, where Jesus says

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither you unless you abide in Me.

Success in God's eyes, a fruitful life, is a life in which every activity finds it's basis in trusting him.

merry christmas

2007-12-25T09:42:00.000-06:00

Today, Christmas, is the day that Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Last week I heard a news story entitled "The War on Christmas." It was about various efforts to ban public acknowledgment of Christ in Christmas--lawsuits over manger scenes on court house lawns, insistence on using phrases such as "Season's Greetings" and "Happy Holidays" in preference to "Merry Christmas," etc.

I don't really want to argue such points with anyone--whether online or in person. If you are a Christian then you know the love of the Lord and the accomplishment of his life on earth. Really, every day is a celebration of his life and the fact that it was easier for him to bear the sin of the world than the thought of me (and you) being separated from God for all eternity and helpless to change it. At church last Sunday, a lady told her story and shared that, having come to know the Lord, she leaves a manger scene up in her house all year long. I think a great Christmas verse is John 1:14: And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

If you don't know Jesus as your Savior, may I invite you this day to read the story of his birth in the Bible in the gospel of Luke, chapter 2. You may or may not be one who takes offense at manger scenes or the mention of Christ; either is OK, just read a story. While you're at it, consider this observation by Blaise Pascal:

Belief is a wise wager. Granted that faith cannot be proved, what harm will come to you if you gamble on its truth and it proves false? If you gain, you gain all; if you lose, you lose nothing. Wager, then, without hesitation, that He exists.

good

2007-12-21T12:57:00.000-06:00

How often have you heard someone say, "God has been so good to me?" Have you ever said that? I have. The thing is, that statement frequently finds basis in our experience. Restored to health; got the job. We tend not to talk about God's goodness if things aren't going as well. As we grow in Christ, He builds in us the character that allows us to live thankfully, no matter what our experience is. We learn from his Word that God is good by nature; it is part of his very being.

The error that can sneak into our thinking is that our positive experiences are indicative of God's goodness and therefore less than positive experiences are not. This is why it is so important to base our relationship with God on the truth of the Word rather than our experience. It is a matter of faith to know that what God reveals about Himself in his Word is true whether our experience would support it or not. Consider this observation from Philips Brooks:

Faith says not, I see that it is good for me, so God must have sent it, but, God sent it, and so it must be good for me. Faith, walking in the dark with God, only prays Him to clasp its hand more closely.

People who do not know God have difficulty with this idea; when bad things happen, one might say, "Why did [a good] God let this happen?" A Christian knows (or should know) that bad things happen as a consequence of living in a fallen world, and his hope (through faith) is that one day God will be faithful to keep his promise to make the world right again.

In the meantime, when I lift up requests to God in prayer, I try not to watch expectantly for the answers I want but to content myself with the knowledge that God is able. If I truly believe what I profess, that God is good, loving, wise, and all-powerful, then I know that his answer, according to his plan for me, will be best for me--whether or not I understand or agree.

God usually answers our prayers so much more according to the measure of His own magnificence, than of our asking, that we do not recognize His benefits to be those for which we sought Him.

—Coventry Patmore

spiritual health

2007-12-17T15:48:00.000-06:00

As a Christian, when I realize that I am in a "dry spell," a time when my relationship with the Lord seems to have cooled, when I have little or no zeal for the Word, it is a pretty safe bet that He has been replaced by someone else. Not something else, but someone else. That someone is invariably me.

This can come about for many reasons, but the net effect is that my thinking is off and that my focus moves from outward to inward. The irony is that one of the symptoms (little or no zeal for the Word) is a huge obstacle to the remedy: To get back into the Word so that He can renew my mind.

Reading in Philippians immerses us in the love of Christ and reminds us to regard others as more important than ourselves. This was the attitude that Jesus had and that we are to have. To serve others, focus on their hurts, pries my mind off of myself. As Abraham Lincoln said,

To ease another's heartache is to forget one's own.

Such service, motivated by the love of God, is service that honors Him; it glorifies Him by allowing His life lived in me (not my life) to shine in the world.

What is it to serve God and to do His will? Nothing else than to show mercy to our neighbor. For it is our neighbor who needs our service; God in heaven needs it not.
--Martin Luther

The Christian needs regular input from the Word, not merely because that's what Christians do but in order that we see God's transforming power at work in us as our minds are renewed. When "spiritual anemia" sets in, remember that Christ Himself is the cure:

Above all the grace and gifts that Christ gives to his beloved is that of overcoming self.
--Francis of Assisi

strugglin'

2007-12-04T12:48:00.000-06:00

About a week ago, I ran across this from Jim McGuiggan:

Those of us who are most familiar with the Spirit's promises are in the greatest danger. ... familiarity may not breed contempt, but it takes the edge off awe ... promises that drop the jaws or widen the eyes of newcomers but provoke no more than a raised eyebrow in the old-timers who have ceased to dream.

Since I saw it, I've been meditating on it (kind of in the background.) It struck home with me because I for a little while have had the spiritual doldrums. My faith in God is strong, but I seem to lack zeal for my personal study of the Word, fellowship with my dearest friends and with people in general. A sort of fatigue.

And friends have noticed (bless you!) "Where are you?" they say.

During this time of pondering, I've been reminded of something my friend Bill said many years ago during a Bible study. Quoting some preacher somewhere, he contrasted the new believer with the "spiritually mature" as "Ignorance on fire" versus "Knowledge on ice." If you've been a believer for a long time as I have, perhaps you've become aware of how easy it is to lose the sense of wonder about God and all he has done, is doing, all that he is. God wants us to know him better and better, but we must guard against a familiarity that "takes the edge off awe."

I don't really know [yet] if this lines up with the sense of fatigue that I'm currently feeling, but I intend to heed McGuiggan's danger warning. In the past when I have encountered people at various plateaus in their walk with the Lord, I have counseled them to read Paul's letter to the Philippians every day for a week. It isn't a long letter and it is a great tonic. For encouragement and uplifting, it can't be beat! So as God leads me out of this funk (as he has always done) I'm taking my own prescription for the next week. Will you join me?

thanksgiving

2007-11-22T08:46:00.000-06:00

In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, we learn that it is God's will that we live thankfully. Every day is therefore Thanksgiving Day. Most people take so much for granted (I will not excuse myself from this fault) and offer little more than perfunctory thanks other than on the fourth Thursday of each November.

Well, instead of griping that we should all be more thankful and mindful of God's provision (no matter how true it is,) today I though I'd share the proclamation that originally set aside Thanksgiving Day as a special day.
------------------
WHEREAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favour; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a DAY OF PUBLIC THANKSGIVING and PRAYER, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favours of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"

NOW THEREFORE, I do recommend and assign THURSDAY, the TWENTY-SIXTH DAY of NOVEMBER next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficient author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed;-- for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been able to establish Constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted;-- for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge;-- and, in general, for all the great and various favours which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also, that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions;-- to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us); and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.

GIVEN under my hand, at the city of New-York, the third day of October, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine.

(signed) G. Washington

know who did it

2007-11-18T09:49:00.000-06:00

This morning, I am sitting in my campsite, enjoying a portion of God's creation. Trees. Wildlife. Sunshine. Earlier there was fog. Nature is quite a work, composed of wondrous brush strokes from the Master's hand. I love it, and even though I won't attend church today, I find it very easy to worship Him.

When one talks of creation, I believe that certain specific things typically pop to mind, such as elements of nature. You and I were created by God. If you know Jesus Christ as your savior, as I do, then you are a new creation of his, and he uses us in his good works, his ministries.

I awoke this morning thinking of my friends out in Mississippi. They are wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ; when I was serving as webmaster for my church's website, God used me and others to help them get a small church started (their first contact was through our website.) The wonderful friendship started ten years ago did not start because of me or my service; the little church in Mississippi was created by God according to his will. Their enduring friendship is the blessing God gave to me.

Whether it's our own salvation (spiritual new birth) or the outcome of any ministry, good work, or service we offer, let us always keep clearly in mind who did it. As John Calvin said,

We must always speak of the efficacy of the ministry in such a manner that the entire praise of the work may be reserved for God alone.

recent reflections

2007-11-07T12:39:00.000-06:00

The turning point in our lives is when we stop seeking the God we want and start seeking the God who is.
- Patrick Morley

I have over the years thought about the fact that even the most mature Christian will tend to reduce God to understandable bounds. Not necessarily even consciously--it's just very easy to depend on what we know or understand rather than living by faith in the Lord. In Him. Several dear friends whom I greatly love and respect have talked about this here and here.

Recently I have been reflecting on this again as there are several people that I have come to know who do not know the Lord. One has even said something to the effect of, "I've read the Bible and it makes no sense." To see their lives (rudderless,) to listen to them speak (lost,) I hurt for them and pray for the right (better, the opportunity) to be heard by them and to address that error. After all, "...the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom..." (emphasis mine.)

Even though I began with Patrick Morley's observation on the point, I've recently been mulling over several other quotes that have been brought to mind by all this, and I think that they are excellent thought-provokers for everyone, whether one knows the Lord or not:

If God were small enough to be understood, He would not be big enough to be worshiped.
- Evelyn Underhill

A God who let us prove his existence would be an idol.
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer

One of my favorite books is Knowledge of the Holy by A. W. Tozer. I believe it is an excellent resource in helping us think rightly about God.

no, really--thank you!

2007-10-29T14:28:00.000-05:00

The last several years, and the last year in particular, have been rough at my church. I have witnessed many casualties as Satan has sniped at our people, especially our leaders. God has done marvelous things in, through, and for the church body over the years, and it should come as no surprise to witness the faithfulness of Jesus Christ during this hard time as he cared for His bride. It has been a time of pruning, a time of growth. I feel that I've had a ring-side seat (better, maybe a seat in the ring!) to witness in operation the principle espoused by Robert Murray M'Cheyne when he said,

I know well that when Christ is nearest, Satan is also busiest.

My purpose in mentioning this is that during our services yesterday, we sought to publicly thank our staff for the extraordinary effort and commitment shown during this time. I believe that any such expression will fall short of what is merited (I think ours certainly did,) so for any of our fine staff who may read this, I want to remind you that it is God who will exalt you at the proper time, and I am certain that there is treasure stored up for you because of your selfless service. And now may I humbly offer to you, my brothers and sisters, my heart-felt thanks for having made yourselves available to God for His use during this difficult year.

where's your heart?

2007-10-29T08:33:00.000-05:00

Sitting in the worship service yesterday, the worship leader at one point said something to this effect: "..I want you to take a deep breath, lay aside the stress and worry of last week, and focus on God..."

C. S. Lewis said,

The perfect church service would be one we were almost unaware of; our attention would have been on God.

Don't misunderstand--I was glad that our leader said what he did. But the fact of his comment left me thinking: How often do we bring a heart of stress and worry to our worship on Sunday rather than bringing a heart of worship to our stresses every day? It seems to me that a proper view of and relationship with God is the right starting point for every human pursuit--not just church.

now what?

2007-10-25T10:06:00.000-05:00

Watchman Nee said,

“Our old history ends with the cross; our new history begins with the resurrection.”

I became a Christian at the age of 12. I think that I understood that I was a sinner and that Jesus' death on the cross had accomplished forgiveness of my sins. It would be quite a few years before I realized what I didn't understand: "Now what?"

You see, I had learned the Gospel--the good news. "Christ died on the cross for my sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day." I could recite it. Many could recite it. And I heard the cross preached a lot (you are sinful, spiritually dead--separated from God; Christ's death on the cross accomplished forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God. Trust in Him!) Except for the recitals, though, I rarely heard taught that Christ is risen from the dead. I had this vague notion that Jesus was in heaven, alive, and that one day I would see Him.

Something I knew very clearly, though, was that I still had the same struggles, temptations, and failures in my life here. Now. And if I had had the presence of mind to literally ask, "Now what?" the answer I perceived was "Don't sin! Lead a virtuous, obedient life!" How? Knowing I couldn't, I ran away from church, and Christ, or so I thought.

It would be fifteen years before I would hear God say, both in His Word and through my life's circumstances, "You can't; only I can."

Getting plugged back in, I encountered some great teaching about the resurrection. About the risen, living, Savior. The difference made in my life was so profound that I questioned my earlier conversion and salvation up to that point. But yes, I had really been reconciled to God at age 12, but I had missed the "other half" of the gospel, eloquently highlighted in Romans 5:10.

For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

I think that many come to understand their need for Jesus and they trust what He did to save them, but they then say "Now what?" because they don't know Him. As Major Ian Thomas said, the Gospel is not intended to get us out of hell and into heaven--although it has that effect. It is intended to get Him out of heaven and back into us, in the person of His Holy Spirit. What a joy it is to be aware of the presence of the living, indwelling Savior!

I love to meditate on Jesus' words to John in Revelation 1:18: "...I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore..." Was dead, past tense. Am alive, present tense. Forevermore.

Watchman Nee's comment echoes the apostle Paul: "...in Christ...the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come." What I've come to understand is that allowing Him to live His life in and through me will result in that virtuous, obedient, abundant life.

a cud we all should chew on

2007-10-18T10:49:00.000-05:00

"The amount of loafing practiced by the average Christian in spiritual things would ruin a concert pianist if he allowed himself to do the same thing in the field of music. The idle puttering around that we see in church circles would end the career of a big league pitcher in one week. No scientist could solve his exacting problem if he took as little interest in it as the rank and file of Christians take in the art of being holy."

A. W. Tozer

1 Peter 1:15 says, "...like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior."

giving of what we receive

2007-10-11T09:03:00.000-05:00

Find out how much God has given you and take from it what you need; the remainder is needed by others.

Certainly God knows and meets our needs, and I have been richly blessed over the years as I have learned to freely share what He has given me with others. But sharing material things was not what was on my heart and mind as I remembered this quote from Augustine.

I have mentioned before that I meet with a group of men on Thursday mornings for Bible study. This morning we began reading 2 Corinthians. In 2 Cor. 1:3,4 (NASB), we read,

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
4 who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

I've long been familiar with this passage and understood the difference between affliction in my life and God's use of affliction in my life. Many years ago when my mother passed away, that was not a good thing, but good has been realized from it as God has since then ministered through me to others who have lost parents. Just as God comforted me, others have been comforted through me.

But this morning when I reread this passage, the words so that in verse 4 jumped out at me. I guess that I always subconsciously separated God comforting me from me comforting others (granted by God's power.) But God's purpose in comforting me, His child, is more than my solace. At the time my mother died God comforted me through many loving people that surrounded me and loved on me; He comforted me so that I would be useful in His hand to comfort others.

This morning I was reminded once again that my relationship with God in Christ is not about me; it's about Him. When I live in surrender, according to His power, He has in me legs to walk with, arms to hold with, ears to hear with, tongue to speak with, mind to think with, and heart to love with. Let's give of what we receive--not only of the abundant means he may give but also of the rich blessings he pours out, always motivated by His love for us.

noise

2007-10-04T14:06:00.000-05:00

"Cease striving and know that I am God..." (Ps. 46:10) This morning, I was out walking and thinking about how busy life is. I realized (for the first time again) that the "busy-ness" of life can easily squeeze out any time to meditate on such nuggets in God's Word.

I have been considering for several days now this idea that letting the many demands of life fill each day, hour, even minute, robs one of a needed foundation for living: Time spent with God. One must be cautious and guard against the devotional time, Bible study, worship service, or even prayer becoming another task to check off of today's list. When that happens, one's relationship with God can become shallow and distant. Yet God desires intimate, personal relationship with each of His children ("I will never leave you or forsake you...")

A. W. Tozer said:

We Christians must simplify our lives or lose untold treasures on earth and in eternity. Modern civilization is so complex as to make the devotional life all but impossible. The need for solitude and quietness was never greater than it is today.

Let's resolve to take time to devote ourselves fully to God. When we do, we need never ask for blessing because it is inevitable. He also in this way equips us to overcome the challenges that life on earth throws our way.

the wonderful tragedy

2007-09-27T15:40:00.000-05:00

Quite a number of years ago, I dabbled briefly with writing poetry. Every year at Valentine's Day, my wife and I write poems to one another; part of the game is to hide these verses so that the other will find them on that day. Sometimes the poems are pretty good, but more often they are bad, meaningful only to us because they represent a shared intimacy.

One year, though, I kept writing. I wanted to write something meaningful, perhaps to share with others what was on my heart, or maybe more accurately what was washing around in my head. What I think I learned was that, while I could convey my thoughts, I lacked the gift of being able to beautifully express those ideas.

One of the poems I wrote was entitled "The Wonderful Tragedy," in which I sought to share my heart about the cross of Christ: A tragedy in which the son of God became man and was executed as a criminal; wonderful in that it was the realized plan from all eternity of a loving God to reconcile sinful man to himself without denying his own righteousness and justice.

I remembered the poem today when I read this from Emil Brunner.

Only at the cross of Christ does man see fully what it is that separates him from God; yet it is here alone that he perceives that he is no longer separated from God. Nowhere else does the inviolable holiness of God, the impossibility of overlooking the guilt of man stand out more plainly; but nowhere else does the limitless mercy of God, which utterly transcends all human standards, stand out more clearly and plainly.

the next time you are "wronged"

2007-09-21T10:29:00.000-05:00

Pride has many different looks. The world might identify pride as self-respect. The Christian knows pride (generally) as haughtiness. Boastful arrogance. False humility. One of the most insidious expressions of human pride is the "need" to be right--self vindication. The common element in all of these is self.

One of my co-workers had to stay at home for a few days this week after some rather extensive dental work, and so he subjected himself to several hours of daytime television. He commented on the number of advertisements by lawyers ("Get everything you deserve! I'll fight for every dollar you having coming!") To me, this is just one illustration of how individualistic and self-focused American society has become. This stands in stark contrast with what the apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 2:3: "...with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself."

Consider Charles Williams' comment:

Many promising reconciliations have broken down because, while both parties came prepared to forgive, neither party came prepared to be forgiven.

Something to think about the next time we're "wronged."

of him, through him, to him

2007-09-20T09:30:00.000-05:00

Each Thursday, I meet with a group of men for coffee, fellowship, Bible study. This morning, our discussion came to the decline of American society, and one of the men mentioned a generational difference: "Today it is more common to preach about God than to preach God."

What a rifle-shot distinction between religion and relationship! I remembered that Oswald Chambers had similarly drawn this distinction, differentiating between preaching Christ and preaching our beliefs about Christ. As important as it is to know what we believe and why, doctrine (a systematic expression of the truth) cannot eclipse God. Jesus' invitation, after all, was not "learn about me" but "Come to me."

When we come to him, walk with him, he teaches us and reveals himself. As William Temple said,

Knowledge of God can be fully given to man only in a Person, never in a doctrine. Faith is not the holding of correct doctrine, but personal fellowship with the living God.

what do I really want?

2007-09-17T13:43:00.000-05:00

You know, I'm no hero. As a matter of fact, a life not characterized by trial, hardship, burden... That sounds pretty good to me.

Now don't misunderstand; I don't mean to say that I've endured lots of hardship or many trials. I certainly don't wish to say that I've had a hard time or to compare myself with others who to my way of thinking have indeed had it harder than I have. The fact is, I've been richly blessed all my life, but that doesn't mean that there haven't been trials.

What if a trouble-free life was handed to me--would I be happy? I have heard all my life the phrase, "It builds character," and I've got an idea that if suddenly all adversity were removed from my life, my life (character?) would be degraded and a continual downward slide would ensue.

Except--

I believe that God is the only character-builder, and as such character is only built in me by adversity as a result of God's use of it in my life. But whether or not there is conflict, burden, or trial in my life, character building of any eternal significance will only occur as I learn to trust God in more and more areas of my life. I think this was what led Oswald Chambers to say

I feel sorry for the Christian who doesn’t have something in the circumstances of his life that he wishes were not there.

I need not fear adversity with God in my life. As a matter of fact, living dependently on God allows me to embrace James 1:2ff, Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,...

my first post

2007-09-11T14:43:00.000-05:00

Several weeks ago, a person at my church (someone that I have known for some time and have thought highly of) vented some frustration in a blog post. When I saw it, knowing exactly over what and why this person was frustrated, I nevertheless was so torn down by it that I left work early that day, I was so upset.

The reason that I share this is that we should always remember that electronic communication (blog, e-mail, etc.) is an excellent filter; that is, elements of communication that a person [perhaps unconsciously] depends on for full and proper understanding, such as body language, mood (joy, sadness, anger,) and so on, are unavailable.

With this in mind, as I begin sharing my love for quotes through this blog, God placed on my heart the following quote from Philipp Melanchthon:

Nothing can be said so clearly as to preclude the possibility of it being misunderstood.

Until next time, God bless.